To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before released on Netflix on August 17, 2018, based on the book series by Jenny Han. The first thing you need to know about To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is that the main character, Lara Jean, is half Korean and half Caucasian. This is important. This is integral to the identity of the characters and the story.
According to the author, when the first book in the series was released in 2014, she was already receiving offers for movie options. However, those offers were quickly retracted once she insisted that the lead be portrayed by an Asian-American actor. It has taken up until now, years later, for Han to find a production company that was on the same page and that agreed to cast Asian actors, rightfully so. Han’s patience and determination is admirable, and her efforts definitely paid off.
Not only does the film star an Asian-American female lead, Lana Candor as Lara Jean, but along with a diverse supporting cast, the film is also directed by a woman, Susan Johnson. The film’s set design, cinematography, soundtrack, and overall aesthetic are also something to be appreciated. As I’m writing this, it’s a day after the film has been released and Twitter is ablaze with high praise for the movie, the story, the relationships, the cast, and everything that To All the Boys represents.
As a book to screen adaptation, I’ll be honest, I had my hesitations that the movie would be a disappointment. There are instances where the screen adaptation just doesn’t get the characters, or the tone/spirit of the original source material quite right. But I’m pleased to announce that the film is just as cute, funny, and charming as the book. It’s well crafted, and is sure to become a classic in the rom-com genre. I don’t mean to overhype the movie, but rather appreciate it for what it is, and all the praise its been receiving has been well deserved.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a modern teen romantic comedy set in high school, and Lara Jean is the hopeless of all romantics. In the first scene, Lara Jean is reading a romance novel, fantasizing about her own love life, or lack thereof. She’s been in love many times, but she’s never actually had a real boyfriend. Whenever Lara Jean has a crush that consumes her, she writes them a love letter, but doesn’t send it. This helps her let go of those intense feelings and move on with her life.
Lara Jean is the middle child and after her older sister Margot leaves for college, Lara Jean is now the biggest sister in their household. She has to set a good example for her little sister Kitty and be there to support their well-intentioned, but sometimes hapless single father. Along with these new familial responsibilities, Lara Jean must also learn how to navigate through her junior year of high school without Margot by her side. Ultimately, Lara Jean is lonely.
As fate would have it, on one unassuming day, all of Lara Jean’s previously unsent love letters somehow get out, and the boys come running. Lara Jean must confront each of her past loves, as well as address her complex feelings, both old and new. Up until now, these romances have been a fantasy, and Lara Jean must learn how to deal with these very real feelings in these very real relationships.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before may be a teen romcom, but the film is also beautifully crafted. I absolutely love the set design, cinematography and overall aesthetic of the film. I especially appreciate all of the teal! Along with a diverse cast of characters, representing different races, as well as mixed race relationships, and along with a killer soundtrack, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is quite the accomplishment. Author Jenny Han also has a cute cameo, looking like a proud mom, admiring the characters she’s created come to life. Jenny Han has blessed us with an Asian heroine in popular culture for young girls to admire and idolize, and I applaud Han’s struggle to have the screen adaptation made, and made right.
Although nothing has been announced just yet, with the film’s current success I’m sure a sequel is well on its way. The series is a trilogy after all. And if you haven’t read the books, they are also great and totally worth your time. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is currently available to stream on Netflix, best viewed in comfy pajamas, while snacking on cookies and popcorn.
Loved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and ready to read the book? Consider shopping our Amazon affiliate link here!
Comments are closed.